Here's how LGBTQ Atlanta is punching back at the coronavirus pandemic
Plus: Gay Atlanta doctor gets the virus, drag queens are going virtual, Atlanta's own Sharon Needles dies.
Coronavirus is our new normal. For LGBTQ Atlanta, it’s brought curfews, business closures, impacted politics and limited operations at restaurants. Our reporting this week shows how the footprint of the pandemic has expanded to every aspect of our lives. Catch up on all the headlines here. (If you’re new to the newsletter, subscribe below and join us on Fridays.)
LGBTQ Atlanta is adapting to 'new normal' of coronavirus
The resilience of Atlanta’s LGBTQ community is shining through. Enter Meals in Heels. It’s the creation of Christopher Wallace (photo left), a bartender at Felix’s, Low-Co Motion food truck Owner Kerry Meier (photo right) and I Am Midtown Co-Founder Lydia Gerzel (photo center).
They provide free meals to service industry employees who lost work due to the coronavirus pandemic. And as restaurants and bars began shutting down, they expanded the effort and it now operates two days a week.
“We all know what it’s like to be one situation away from not having anything,” Wallace said. “Our community is one big family and we stick together.”
That’s just one example of how LGBTQ folks are punching back at the pandemic. Another one? Drag performers, who make their living from tips, are going virtual.
And hinting at what we all hope is an end to coronavirus, Atlanta Pride said it’s full steam ahead for their 50th anniversary celebration in early October – for now.
Our coronavirus coverage this week also includes:
Gay Atlanta doctor to reopen his practice after coronavirus outbreak.
LGBTQ lawmakers criticized Gov. Brian Kemp’s response to the pandemic.
We talked with a gay Atlanta man who tested positive for coronavirus.
Gay-owned restaurants are adapting to only offering takeout and delivery.
Some tips on how you and bae (and your relationship) can survive this quarantine.
Gamemaster Herb keeps video gaming queer
When it comes to arcade fun, gay Atlanta nightlife spots turn to Gamemaster Herb (photo). The queer and polyamorous event promoter runs weekly game nights around town. But in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, he’s pivoting to online experiences.
Unlike all previous generations, gaming is a medium that encompasses music, visuals and tactile interaction that you can use alone or with others. For my generation, video games are our movies, radio, TV and sports.
That's huge, and I never forget how much of an impact they have been and continue to be for countless people. It used to be a thing you got made fun of for being into gaming, and now it's an entire culture that I'm grateful to be a part of.
Gamemaster Herb covers Q magazine this week – our first since going digital-only thanks to Miss Corona. (We’ll return to our print edition when life and business return to normal.) An expanded version is online with Project Q Atlanta.
Survey says …
Did you know that 40% of our readers say they’re single? Or that they prefer wine over beer? And that nearly half of our readers have attended a live concert or event in the last 12 months? We didn’t either. But those are examples of the important insights we gain from the annual LGBTQ Community Survey. The information helps us serve you better.
So please take a few minutes to complete the 14th Annual LGBTQ Community Survey. When you reach the last question, select Project Q / Q Magazine in the list of outlets. Thanks!
What LGBTQ Atlanta is talking about
Gay Atlanta man Sam Colbert (photo) was killed in an auto accident early Sunday. The 27-year-old was involved in a single-car crash in Alabama. A passenger in the vehicle was airlifted to a hospital in Pensacola. Former co-workers in Atlanta recalled his big personality and infectious smile.
Atlanta’s own Sharon Needles died on Saturday after a battle with cancer. Friends of the longtime member of the Armorettes remembered her legacy of raising funds for charity and always giving back to other drag queens and young performers.
Believe it or not, there’s still an election coming in Georgia. Sometime. The Victory Fund reminded us this week as it endorsed two more LGBTQ candidates in the state – Curt Thompson for Gwinnett County Commission chair and Julie Jordan for a state House seat in St. Simons.
Queerly curating through popular events, print issues and years of online sass, the crew at Wussy is celebrating its fifth anniversary. “It feels pretty surreal,” Wussy Publisher, Co-Founder and Editor in Chief Jon Dean told us.
That’s all for now
Stay safe, practice social distancing, wash those hands and of course, tap that little heart just below this. See you next Friday!